Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said he does not plan to return money donated to his campaign from a group affiliated with Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, as Miller faces allegations that he abused his ex-wife and daughter.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y. Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
Lawler told CNN that he has spoken with Miller multiple times about the allegations, which Miller has repeatedly denied, adding: “This is something that should play out in family court. I think the fact that some in the media and my Democratic colleagues have tried to turn it into a spectacle and, you know, use this situation for political points is wrong.”
He added later in the interview that the allegations leveled against Miller, which came from his wife in their divorce and child custody proceedings, are part of a political “game.” Miller has not faced any criminal charges related to the allegations.
“This is the typical Washington media game, where it’s always: An allegation comes up, you must return the money. It’s the typical game everybody plays, and it doesn’t actually do anything to further the situation,” Lawler said. “If there’s evidence that Max did something, then obviously there should be a thorough investigation of that. But thus far, there’s been nothing to verify any of the claims that have been leveled.”
In his repeated denials of wrongdoing, Miller has called for the House Ethics Committee to investigate the allegations, saying an investigation will prove he did nothing wrong. He has also committed to running for re-election, despite the growing number of calls from lawmakers in his own party for him to resign.